Songs of Africa Ensemble, a multicultural and eclectic group of highly trained musicians promoting new genres of choral music from around Africa and its diaspora. Our songs teach about Africa’s music, its peoples, languages and cultures and create opportunities for incorporating new styles of African-descent music into modern choral repertory. Our "Sonic Safari with Songs of Africa Ensemble" is quite popular with concert venues, schools and community groups around Missouri and nationally. A majority of our songs are drawn from Songs of Africa: 22 Pieces for Mixed Voices, the choral collection published by Oxford University Press, but often including a lot more songs yet to be published! Songs of Africa Ensemble is a community outreach and partnership program of the African Musical Artsorganization. To book the group or get involved please call our office 314-652-6800 at GRAND CENTER.

Some comments from "Sonic Safari with Songs of Africa Ensemble" concerts...

"...for over 7000 students from the St. Louis area, 'Sonic Safari with Songs of Africa Ensemble' brought the culture and diversity of Africa alive for students who would dance, clap and sing along with the performers. 'Sonic Safari' teaches students that we are all different but all very much the same. " - Susan Wise, Director of Education, Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Galleries

"I cannot say enough good things about the experience with [Songs of Africa Ensemble]....There was so much love and joy in the room, and the musical result was astounding. We [Ambassadors of Harmony] were on stage for two sold out performances sharing the experience with over 3,000 people. I cherish the music and the friendships that were made through this experience..."- Dr. James Henry, Chair, Music Department, & Director of Choral Studies, University of Missouri St. Louis, Co-Director, the Ambassadors of Harmony (AOH)

More feedback from Sonic Safari with Songs of Africa Ensemble

"Songs of Africa Ensemble blessed our whole school community, (grades 1-12 and parents, staff and faculty), with the “Sonic Safari for Schools"program. They rocked the house! Over 500 attended the program."-Connie Dennet, The Principia Schools

"FredO [founder & artistic director] has a dynamic personality with enthusiasm that is contagious. He and the Songs of Africa Ensemble go above and beyond the "call of duty" to facilitate understanding, appreciation and performances of African music."- Leanne Magnuson Latuda, Artistic Director and Conductor, St. Louis Women’s HOPE Chorale

Other quotes sampled from audiences"a new kind of sound.""It was a great concert. I learned a lot without knowing I was learning""...there's no shortage of songs with this group, sampling great new music from around Africa""...let me know about your concerts; I don't care how many coming up, I'll be there with my kids""Their show made a believer out of me: that music truly is a universal language of peace and love...""Your songs definitely enrich and swell our choral repertoire!"

Songs of Africa Ensemble is a community engagement initiative of the African Musical Arts organization. We are grateful for committed and generous financial support from our funding partners St. Louis Regional Arts Commission, Missouri Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts which make our programs affordable to the community.